Watch Der Baader Meinhof Komplex

Der Baader Meinhof Komplex is a German-language feature film directed by Uli Edel and released in 2008. Based on the book of the same title by Stefan Aust, the movie chronicles the early years of the Red Army Faction (RAF), a left-wing terrorist group active in Germany in the 1970s. The movie is a fast-paced, action-packed drama that blends real historical events with fictionalized portrayals of the RAF's key members and their activities. The narrative jumps around in time but generally progresses chronologically, beginning with the radicalization of Andreas Baader (Moritz Bleibtreu) and Ulrike Meinhof (Martina Gedeck) and following their eventual formation of the RAF.

Baader and Meinhof, along with Gudrun Ensslin (Johanna Wokalek) and other leftist activists, are fed up with what they see as a corrupt, oppressive capitalist state that oppresses and exploits the working class. They move from peaceful protests and activism to increasingly violent acts of terrorism, robbing banks, bombing public buildings, and assassinating key figures they see as symbols of capitalism and imperialism.

Although the RAF sees itself as fighting for a noble cause, their methods are often brutal and indiscriminate, leading to the deaths of many innocent people, including police officers, bystanders, and several of the group's own members. The movie does not shy away from showing the inherent contradictions and moral ambiguities of the RAF's ideology and tactics.

The film's direction and cinematography are both slick and stylish, giving a sense of urgency and immediacy to the action scenes. The costumes and sets are spot-on for the period, and there's an impressive attention to detail in the recreations of real events and locations.

The performances of the three leads are uniformly strong, with Gedeck delivering a particularly striking portrayal of Meinhof's transformation from left-wing journalist to terrorist. Bleibtreu brings charisma and intensity to the role of Baader, while Wokalek's Ensslin is suitably fiery and committed.

Despite its length (over two and a half hours), the movie moves quickly and keeps the viewer engaged throughout. The dialogue is sharp and often darkly humorous, with lines like "Revolution is not a perfume you can spray on yourself, it is a chemical that eats away at your flesh" sticking in the mind long after the credits roll.

Overall, Der Baader Meinhof Komplex is a gripping and nuanced depiction of one of the most turbulent periods of Germany's recent history. It manages to be both a thrilling action movie and a thoughtful exploration of complex political ideas and personal motivations. Highly recommended for fans of historical dramas and political thrillers.